Kansas Hangs On To Beat UMKC in Four Sets

Freshman Nicole Tate had the Jayhawks' first double-double of the season against UMKC.

Sept. 9, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. -

Freshman Nicole Tate recorded Kansas’ first double-double of the season to help lead the Jayhawks to a victory over the UMKC Kangaroos Tuesday night in the Horesji Family Athletic Center. KU, who improves to 4-2, defeated UMKC (2-7) 25-14, 25-22, 16-25, 25-14.

Tate tallied 42 assists, 12 digs, and added five block assists in the effort. KU also had two players set new personal records in kills - sophomore Karina Garlington with 18 and freshman Allison Mayfield with 12.

The Jayhawks recorded a .542 team hitting percentage in the first set, their highest percentage for an individual set this season. That impressive number helped KU to a 25-14 victory.

The second set proved to be more challenging for the Jayhawks as they saw UMKC come back from an early 11-4 deficit to tie the score at 14. The score remained tight with four tied scores. KU notched the last three points of the set to win it 25-22.

KU trailed for the first time all night when the Kangaroos used their momentum from the second set to mount a nine-point lead. The Jayhawks could never get closer than six, and they lost the set 16-25. It was the first time Kansas dropped a set to UMKC since 2001, a 3-1 KU victory.

After a slow start in the fourth set, the Jayhawks heated up to take a 21-12 lead, and they never looked back, winning the set 25-14 on a service ace from freshman Corrinne Stringer.

The Jayhawks take the court again when they play Cleveland State Friday at 6 p.m. CST at the Cowgirl Classic in Laramie, Wyo.